Helping Young Adults with Autism Gain Independence

The Autism Spectrum

THE AUTISM SPECTRUM

Autism spectrum disorder is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs one’s ability to communicate with others and interact with them. It is now considered by the American Psychiatric Association as a single disorder made up of disorders such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified. The spectrum refers to the range of both the type and severity of symptoms that come with the disorder.